Astros, Rangers to open 2013 MLB season

New York, NY (Sports Network) - The Houston Astros' debut as an American
League team will also be the first game of the upcoming Major League Baseball
season.

MLB announced on Thursday that it will open the 2013 campaign with a
nationally televised matchup between the Astros and the Texas Rangers from
Minute Maid Park on Sunday, March 31. The game will begin at 8 p.m. (et) and
will be carried by ESPN.

Houston was moved to the AL West for this season after spending its entire
previous existence as a member of the National League. The move now gives both
leagues an even number of 15 teams and will allow for interleague play
throughout the season.